Prefabricated bathroom



Nov. 5, 1940. R. B. FULLER PREFABRI CATED BATHROOM Filed May 12, 1938 '7Sheets-Sheet 1 l VENTOR R/CHARD Bl/C/fM/MSTf/i FULLER ATTORN EY FIG.1.

,Nov. 5, 1940. R. B. FULLER PREFABRICATED BATHROOM Filed May 12, 1958 7Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2.

l N V E NTO R RICH/1RD B (/C/fMl/VS 7 El? FULLER ATTORN EY Nov. 5, 1940.R. B. FULLER PREFABRICATED BATHROOM '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 12, 1938INVENTOR RICH/1RD BUC/lM/NSTEF FULLER FIG. 3. 2 ,J

Nov; 5, 1940.

R. B. FULLER PREFABRICATED BATHROOM Filed May 12, 1958 III: a l

7 Sheets-Sheet 4 N VE N TO I? F/Cf/ARD BUCK/ 10K575 FULLER ATTORNEY Nov.5, 1940.

Filed May 12, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 106 i 41 4 43 W 136 1594 1 we I; W M

E HM i k l 116 1 i i w w U 11 40 180 g '181 :29

11o 47 2 r I 54} 24 8?. ,2 1 .ml'll flh l 3o I I 30 i INVENTOR RICHARDBl/C/fM/MSTffiFl/LLER A ORNEY NOV. 5, 1940. FULLER 2,220,482

PREFABRI CA'IED BATHROOM Filed May 12, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 IP/Cl-M/FDF IG. 6.

' ATTORNEY Nov. 5, 1940. RB. FULLER PREFABRICATED BATHROOM Filed May 12,1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 FIG. 9.

INVENTOR UC/fM/MS'TEI? FULLER RIC/MED B ORNEY lllfilllllll 'M PatentedNov. 5, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PREFABRICATED BATHROOMApplication May 12, 1938, Serial No. 207,518

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a prefabricated building unit suitable for useas a bathroom.

Attempts have been made heretofore to provide prefabricated bathroomswith the object of lowering the cost of building a bathroom into adwelling. Such bathrooms, however, by reason of their great weight andmore or less conven-' tional construction, have involved relatively highcosts by the time they have been shipped and installed ready for use.Furthermore, such bathroom units as heretofore known have been large- 1ydesigned for introduction into a new building under construction andhave not been particularly practical for installation in a dwellingalready built without involving too great an expense.

It is an object of my invention to provide a compact, light,prefabricated bathroom which may be readily installed either in adwelling under construction or in a dwelling that is already built.

It is another object of this invention to provide a prefabricatedbathroom of such a compact construction that it can be separated into afew 5 sections which may be readily carried by hand through a doorwayand up a staircase of the average house.

It is another object of this invention to provide a prefabricatedbathroom fashioned from a relatively few units made of sheet material toprovide an integral structure light in weight but having the requisitestrength and rigidity when assembled.

A further object of my invention is to provide prefabricated bathroomsections of sheet metal having bathroom fixtures formed integrallytherewith.

Another object of this invention is to provide a two chamberprefabricated bathroom, one

chamber being suitable for use as a lavatory and water closet, and theother chamber being useful as a combined tub and shower, and either ofthese chambers being useful alone.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments thereof illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a. front elevation of mypreferred bathroom as assembled with the lower portions of the outerfront decorative panel and the doors broken away;

Figure 2 is a horizontal cross section of my completed bathroom ininstalled position, taken about on the offset line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical cross section through approximately the center ofthe lavatory and water closet, or outer chamber of the bathroom, takenabout on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical cross section of my bath- 5 room, takenapproximately on the line dividing thev two chambers thereof, such asthe line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a vertical cross section through approximately the center ofmy bathroom and at 10 right angle to the section line 3-3 and, 44, takenapproximately on the line of 55 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is an end elevation of the two chambers of my bathroom at itappears from the left- 15 hand side of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a detail view of a ventilating grill in the doorway of thebathroom connecting the two chambers thereof and taken on the line 1-]Of Figure 3; 20

Figure 8 is a vertical section of a detail of the bathroom constructedon an enlarged scale, and taken through the junction of the upper andvlower sections of the bathroom, showing the manner of clamping the-upperand lower sec- 5 tions of each chamber together;

Figure 9 is a perspective view partly broken away illustrating a,modification of my bathroom with the upper portion thereof comprisingthe walls of the room in which the unit is installed; 30 and Figure 10is a vertical sectional view of a detail on an enlarged scale showingthe way the upper edge of the bathroom in Figure 9 is joined to the.walls of the room and taken about on the 35 lines |0--l0 of Figure 9.

With reference, more particularly, to Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, of thedrawings, my bathroom is preferably constructed with two chambers ofsimilar shape in horizontal cross section. These two chambers areindicated generally by the numerals it and I2. The outer chamber 42 isdesigned as a lavatory and water closet, and is provided with a doorwayi3 permitting entrance into the chamber from an adjoining room of the 5dwelling. The side of the chamber I2 containing doorway i3 may beconcealed from the adjoining room by the fixed vertical panel i4provided with an opening l5, which may be constructed of metal, wood,b-akelite, or other plas- 50 tic or composition material. The panel Itmay be rigidly attached to the chamber 12 of the bathroom, although itis preferably provided as a separate unit which may be aflixed to andsupported by the adjacent portions of the dwelling. 55

Between the panel I4 and the doorway l3 of chamber l2, sliding doors l8and 11 have been illustrated, it being understood that other forms ofdoors could be employed if desired. Sliding doors have the advantage,however, of space economy that is not obtained with a hinged door, andthey may be used where a hinged door would not be practical. The slidingdoors II and I1 are designed so that they may be moved outwardly awayfrom each other, sliding into the space between the outer wall ofchamber 12 and the panel 14 to leave an opening registering with doorwayl3 and the panel opening II. The sliding doors I6 and 11 may be hung bymeans of suitable straps l3 fixed to them and carrying the rollers 19which rest on the track 20 and support the weight of the sliding doors.Track 20 may be formed with the shape of a block C in cross section andthe rollers 2| carried on straps 22 intermediate the straps l8 on thedoors bear against the upper inside portion of the track 23 to preventdislodgment of the doors from the track by accident. The track 20 may beconveniently suspended from a framework for the chamber 12 describedbelow and rigidly supp rted by the diagonal braces 23.

The bathroom chambers II and 12 may be conveniently constructed withtheir lower portions or sections made of sheet material such as sheetmetal or thin-walled plastic material and with their upper portionsformed from a lightweight metal sheet or from suitable plastic orcomposition material to provide as light a weight as possible. In orderto provide as much strength as possible both the upper and lowersections of the chambers may be conveniently made of sheet metal such ascopper, aluminum, or steel or a combination of two of them. These upperand lower portions of chambers H and 12 are illus- 40 trated as joinedalong the horizontal line 24 and held in assembled position by asuitable clamping arrangement 25 to be described in detail hereinafter.

The floor of the bathing chamber ll may be formed from a single sheet 26of thin metal such as copper, stamped or drawn into the shapeillustrated in Figures 2 and 5, with its edges curving upwardly to formthe lowest portions of the 50 chamber walls. The remainder of the lowersection of this chamber ll may be formed from a single sheet 21 of thesame metal bent or stamped to expand from below the center of thedoorway 28 entirely around the chamber II and back to 55 the center ofthe doorway 28 where the ends of the sheet are joined in the verticalseam 29a.

This sheet 21 is preferably shaped to provide all four walls of thechamber ll curved outwardly about relatively long radii, these wallsbeing 60 joined at the corners by coved portions curved aboutcomparatively short radii.

Intermediate the top and bottom of the metal sheet 21 forming the sidewalls, at a suitable height above the floor, four openings 23 ofrectangular shape are formed in the sheet 21. These openings 29 arecovered by pocket members 30 stamped out of sheet metal and secured tothe outer surface of sheet 21 by riveting, welding or 70 the like. Thepocket members 33 are preferably formed with relatively flat lowersurfaces 3| and relatively straight side and end walls 32 and 33. Whenthese pockets are sufficiently shallow, they may be stamped or otherwiseformed integrally 75 with sheet 21. However, these outwardly extendingpockets are preferably formed of separate sheets of metal attached tothe outside of the main sheet 21 by the rivets 34, with suitableprovision being made at the juncture of the layers of metal to form awater-tight Joint having a flush surface inside the chamber ll.Similarly, the bottom metal sheet 26 of chamber ll may be provided withan offset upper edge 35 so that the lower edge of sheet 21 will be flushtherewith on the inside of the chamber, and these two sheets may besecured together in a similar manner by the rivets 36 or by welding orthe like. The pockets 30 are constructed to provide the lower wallportions of the chamber II with increased rigidity and strength, eventhough very lightgauge metal may be used in making the walls and floor.In addition, these pockets serve as convenient supports for soap andother bathing accessories, and also as arm rests or supports to assistone in sitting down or rising in the chamber Ii when using it as a tub.

The floor of the bathing chamber II, that is the lower portion of sheet26, is preferably supported on a suitable wooden platform 31 raised onlegs 33 made of angle iron or other material, so that the floor of thischamber is about nine inches above the level of the floor of the chamberI2. The metal sheet 26 may be separated from the wooden platform 31 by alayer of insulation 39, if desired. This arrangement provides adequateroom for plumbing and also enables the bottom of the bathing chamber iito be cleaned more easily by a person standing in chamber 12.

The upper portion of the chamber ll comprising the walls 43 and theceiling 4|, may be constructed of the same or diflerent material. Thisupper portion of the bathroom unit is preferably made of a material aslight in weight as possible, while still providing the desired strength,rigidity, and pleasing appearance to the entire structure. Varioussubstances may be suitable for this purpose, although I have found thatalloys of aluminum or thin sheet steel are particularly satisfactorywhen the lower portion of the bathroom unit is constructed of sheetcopper. The upper portion of chamber ll may be formed, for example, fromasheet 43 of light-gauge steel or a strong aluminum alloy providingcurved end and side walls which are extensions of the lower walls formedfrom sheet 21. Sheet 40 may extend from the horizontal juncture line 24to the juncture of this sheet with the ceiling 4| at 42. The cellingmember 4| may similarly be constructed from a single stamped sheet ofmetal or other material and attached to the side wall 40 by the rivetedjoint 43 in the same manner that the base sheet 28 is attached to thelower side wall 21.

To lend the structure increased rigidity, I prefer to attach firmlyinside the sheet 40 at a suitable height above the fioor, the rods 44and 45 extending across the ends of this section. The ends of these rodsmay be welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the sheet 40 and serve tobrace it inside, as well as to provide towel racks and hand grips.

The upper portion of chamber ll comprising the wall sheet 40 and theceiling member 4| form one prefabricated unit section which is fitted tothe lower section as a unit when the chamber H is assembled. For thispurpose, an outwardly opening channel member 41 may be shaped andriveted to the outer surface of 40 spaced a small distance from itslower edge. A similar rigid channel member 49 may be riveted to theouter surface of sheet 21 adjacent its upper edge. The joining of thesewalls in assembled position of the units forming chamber II is bestillustrated in Fig. 8, from which it will be seen that the upper edge ofthe metal sheet 21 is provided with anoffset portion 46 so that thelower edge of sheet below the channel member 41 overlaps therewith toprovide a-substantially flush interior surface for the chamber II.

I: this manner, the sections of the chambers II and I2 above the line 24may be prefabricated as integral units and the sections below the line24 may likewise be prefabricated as integral units. These unit sectionsmay then be readily transported and assembled in the desired location byclamping the two channel members 41 and 48 together. This might beaccomplished by simply bolting the adjacent flanges of the channelmembers together, although I prefer to employ a clamp consisting of theupper and lower plates 49 and 58 held together by a suitable bolt orbolts 5|. These clamping plates 49 and 58 are simply applied to theuppermost and lowermost surfaces of the channel members 41 and 48,respectively, and held in position by tightening the bolts 5|. To deadenreverberations within the chambers II and I2 and to avoid any hollowmetallic sounds, a dope material such as a mixture of asphaltum andasbestos 52 may be applied to the exterior surfaces of the various unitseither prior to assembly or after assembly. Other materials could beemployed for this purpose.

Along the solid or innermost wall of the chamber II, a further bracingrod 53, which may be used to provide additional rigidity to the sidewall structure, is preferably attached inside the lower edge of metalsheet 48. The rod 53.may be secured in place by bolts extending throughthe channel members 49 and 48 and held in place by suitable nuts 54outside of the channel members. This rod 53 may also be used as a towelrack or as a support to assist one in sitting down or getting up whenusing the chamber .II as a tub. When the rod 53 is held in place asillustrated, it

is secured to the chamber wall after the upper and lower units have beenassembled.

The outer chamber I2 serves as a lavatory and water closet, andcommunicates with the inner chamber II by means of the door 28. Thelower portion of this chamber I2 may be constructed 55 with a metalsheet 55 of copper or the like forming a floor, stamped with upwardlycurving edges and having a shape corresponding to the central portion ofsheet 28 in chamber H. In one end of 5 from the floor sheet 55 andsuitably curved to provide the wash basin with an upstanding forwardportion 68 and a vertical curved back wall 6| together with suitablycurved side walls 62 and 83. The inclined portion 59 provides adequate70 foot space for one using the wash basin 56. An

opening may be provided in the side wall 83 well above the bottom of thewash basin 58 which is closed by a cup-shaped metal member 84 providinga soap receptacle and affixed to the outer surface of wall 62 by rivets65, welding or the like. Sheet 58 is also provided with a suitableopening located centrally of the inclined wall portion 59 and adapted tobe closed by the fiat -.plate 66, having suitable perforations 51therein for a purpose to be described. This plate may be removablyattached to the wall portion 59 by the bolts 88.

At the other'end of chamber I2, a suitably curved sheet of metal 69 maybe attached to the edges of the floor sheet 55 by rivets I8 or the like,and provided with upwardly extendingcurved edges II and shaped toprovide a horizontal surface having an oval-shaped opening I2. The metalaround this opening I2 is preferably bent downwardly as indicated at I3.A porcelain or other suitable water closet bowl I4 may thus be supportedimmediately below the oval opening I2. I prefer to provide a separateremovable sheet of metal 14a which may be coated with porcelain or othersuitable metal and which is provided with an oval opening conforming tothe opening I2 and fitting thereover. This cover member may be theneasily removed for cleaning the water closet bowl or other purposes. Theextension of the side walls above the upwardly curved edges II of sheet69 may be formed from a single sheet of metal I5, suitably curved andplastics or other material, in a similar manner to the upper portion ofchamber II. The sheet I6 may be curved to provide suitable side wallsextending above the line 24 as extensions of the walls 8|, 82, 63.Another sheet 11 maybe suitably curved to provide upward wall extensionsfrom the sheet I5. Openings would thus be left on each side of chamberI2 between the sheets I5 and I1 and the sheets 58 and I5 above panel 84ain the shape of the doorways I3 and 28. The ceiling of chamber I2 may beformed from a single sheet I8 of stamped metal or molded plastics andpermanently secured to the upper edges of sheets I5 and II as by rivets18a.

When the two chambers II and I2 of the bathroom are assembled, the upperand lower sections of each of these chambers may be held together by anupper U-shaped member I9, side wall plates and BI, and the lowerU-shaped member 82 forming a frame for doorway 28.

These members and plates may be provided with suitable flanges which maybe removably attached to the edges of the various sheets definingdoorway 28 by the bolts 82a. The lower member 82 thus provides a flathorizontal surface 83 which can be used as a step for stepping from thelavatory and water closet chamber I2 into the bathing chamber II, or-fora seat when bathing.

Inside chamber l2 and immediately below the horizontal surface 83, apanel 84 is removably attached to the side wall of chamber 1 2. Thisportion of the chamber side wall may be a'single sheet 84a having asuitable opening normally covered by panel 84. Sheet 84a may be joinedto sheet 58 along the seam 84b, and to sheet I5 along the seam 84c;Panel 84 is preferably stamped or drawn to provi a depression 85 on theinside of the panel, a flat horizontal surface 86 of substantial widthextending into the chamber below depression 85, and a curvedinclinedsupporting surface 81 immediately below the horizontal surface 88. A mat88 of pressed cork or the like may be employed on the surface 88,thereby providing a step to facilitate stepping from chamber I2 throughthe doorway 28 into the bathing chamber II. Panel 84 may be removablyattached to the structure by the bolts 89. The upper side wall andceiling sheets I6, I1 and I8 of chamber I2 are preferably constructed asa single unit section which may be attached to the lower section ofchamber I2 also constructed as a single unit in the same manner asdescribed above in connection with the upper and lower sections ofchamber II. Thus, an outwardly opening channel-shaped member 90 may beaffixed to the upper edges of sheets 59 and and the channel member 9|may beafilxed near the lower edges of sheets I8 and I1 as by the rivets90a and 9Ia respectively, or by welding or the like. These channelmembers 90 and 9| may be clamped together in any suitable manner whenthe two sections are assembled, as by the use of the same clampingplates 49 and 50 and bolts 5| as heretofore described for the unitsections of chamber II.

A framework is preferably constructed around the center of chamber I2and around doorway 28 to provide additional strength. This framework mayconveniently be made of lengths of angle iron bolted, riveted, welded orotherwise secured together. For example, the vertical angle irons 93 and94 joined together at the bottom by a suitable horizontal member 95provide in effect a. frame for the main door "to the bathroom. The upperends of these frame members 93 and 94 may be connected together by asuitable cross member 96. The track for the sliding doors I5 40 and I Iis preferably separate from this frame work but suspended from the topof members 93 and 94 by the diagonal straps 23.

Disposed between the two chambers II and I2 is a box-shaped frameconstructed around the v 45 doorway 28 and made -up of the four-uprightframe members 91, 98, 99 and I00. The frame members 91 and 98 are Joinedtogether at their foot by a short cross member IOI, and the framemembers 99 and I00 are similarly joined together 0 at their foot by across member I02, At their top these upright members are connectedtogether by corresponding short angle iron pieces I03, I04 and by thelonger angle iron pieces I05, I06. The upper portionof this box frame ispref- 55 erably connected to the front frame members 93,

94 by the angle iron pieces I01 and I08, The portions of the box frameadjacent the upper and lower ends of doorway 28 may be provided withfour horizontal members I08a connecting the up- 60 right members 91, 98,99 and I00 to reinforce the doorway. In the lower portion of this b0)tame, the horizontal angled pieces I09 braced by the inclined anglepieces I I0 and connected by the cross member III serve to reinforce thestep 85 in the 65 panel 84. This box frame may also advantageously beconnected to and form some of the legs for the platform 31 whichsupports the floor of bathing chamber I I.

The front frame made up of vertical members 7 93 and 94 may'also bebraced by the inclined members H2 and H3 connected to the ends of crossmember 95 and to intermediate portions of members 93 and 94. Theinclined braces H4 and II4a may also advantageously be arranged 75 tobrace the sheet metal forming the water closet seat. Brace II 4 extendsfrom the end of member 95 to the nearest upper corner of sheet 51 whilebrace II4a extends from the inside corner of the floor sheet 55 to theother upper corner of sheet 51. At the other end of the chamber I2, thebraces H5 and II5a are preferably employed to support the wash basin.Brace I I5 may extend from the end of cross member 95 to one uppercorner of the wash basin 58 while the other brace II5a extends from theother lower inside corner of sheet 55 to the other comer of wash basin56.

Braces H4 and H5 are preferably pivotally connected at their upper endsso that during transportation of the lower section of chamber I2, thelower ends of these braces may be detached and swung inwardly. Thesebraces are constructed of such a length that their lower ends in thislatter position will bear against the lower outside corners of sheet 55to which they may be attached during transportation, if desired, Whenthe chamber I2 is assembled, the

lower ends of braces H4 and 5 may then be swung outwardly and bolted orotherwise attached to the ends of frame member 95.

Inside chamber I2, a suitable door II8, provided inside with a handleIII, may be vertically hinged at la in an opening in sheet I5. Byopening this door H6 inward into the chamber I2, access to a cabinet II8 having suitable shelves I I9 is provided. The cabinet I I8 is securedto the outside of the sheet I8 between the two chambers II and I2. Wherethe two chambers are to be employed together, this cabinet IIB mayadvantageously be attached also to the exterior of sheet 40 of chamberII as illustrated, thereby serving to hold the two chambers togethermore rigidly. A mirror may be amxed to the inner surface of door H8 anda light suitably connected to the inner surface of the door above themirror may be used. Thus the lighted mirror is in the best position foruse when the cabinet door H8 is open, and is concealed when this door isclosed.

At the other end of chamber I2, a similar door I20, suitably hinged tosheet 'I'I, may be provided. Parallel tracks I2I may be secured to theexterior surface of sheet I1 and another pair of tracks I22 may beattached to the outside of sheet 40 of chamber II to provide a verticalrunway for the cabinet I28 having suitable shelves I24 therein. Theadvantage of this vertically movable cabinet I28, exposed by opening thedoor I20, is to provide access to the water tank I25 located immediatelybelow it in case repairs should be necessary. This water tank I25 may beof a suitable shape to fit between the two chambers I I and I2 and maybe supported by the cross members I28a. A rod I2'Ia extending into tankI25 and through sheet 15 and provided inside chamber I2 with a handleI2Ib may be used for controlling the water in tank I25 to flush thewater closet. At one side of this water tank I25, 9. panel I28 may beprovided hinged to sheet I5 at its lower edge I21 and leaving a narrowhorizontal opening I28. On the exterior surface of this panel I28, asuitable bracket I29 may be provided for supporting a roll of paper I30.The paper is thus adapted to be threaded through the opening I28 intochamber I2 and roll I30 may be replaced when needed by opening the panelI26.

Light for both chambers I I and I2 may be provided from a bulb I8I. Asuitable fixture I32 supported in the frame I88 is suspended between theupper portions of chambers I I and I2 by suitable strap members I84 fromthe cross bar I05 of the external angle iron framework. Transparent ortranslucent panels I35, I36 and I31 may be provided surrounding thisbulb so that indirect lighting is supplied from a single'bulb to bothchambers II and I2. Towel racks I38 may be provided in chamber I2 abovethe wash basin 56, if desired.

Ventilation is obtained by drawing air in through the grill I39removably set into the upper end of frame member 8| of doorway 28, Airand steam may be forcibly drawn downwards and exhausted from thechambers through the perforations 61 in panel 66 by means of a suctionfan associated with the hood I40, This suction fan and hood may besupported by suitable straps I 4| and braces I42 from the frame membersH5 and 5:1. The air withdrawn from the chamber I2 may be carried awaythrough conduit I43 and discharged to the outer atmosphere in anysuitable way. By this provision for lighting and ventilation, thenecessity of using a special ventilator shaft or window for the bathroomis avoided. This is particularly advantageous for large buildings suchas apartment houses where a bathroom may be near an air shaft, or when abathroom is needed in a location of the building where a window wouldnot be practical. Cutting new windows is also obviated with my bathroomwhen it is used for remodeling a dwelling.

Heating of the chambers II and I2 may be taken care of by drawing inwarm air through the grill I39 from a room in which the bathroom may beinstalled. I prefer, however, to provide a heating unit under the stepsuch, for example, as the simple resistance heater I44 mounted on thediagonal brace IIO. This resistance unit I44 heats the space below thestep 86 and the step 83, and when a heat conductive metal, such ascopper, is employed for the lower portions of the chambers, heat isreadily and rapidly con- =10 ducted throughout the entire lower sectionof chambers II and I2, thereby providing surfaces lukewarm and pleasantto the touch, as well as serving to heat the entire chambers.

The lighting, ventilation and heating may be 45 controlled from insideor outside the bathroom as desired. For example, a switch I45 may beprovided on the exterior of the panel I4 outside of the bathroom,together with a signal light I46, to operate simultaneously the heatingunit I44 and the light bulb I3I. The ventilation fan in hood I40 may becontrolled by a three speed switch I41 adjacent the switch I45.Alternatively, the heating unit I48 and/or the ventilating fan may beindependently operated by a switch .35 I48, or switches, mounted on aninner wall or chamber I2 of the bathroom. As will be readily understood,the electrical connections for the ventilating fan, the light, and theheating unit may be taken from a single cable, which cable is providedfor connection to the house lighting system in any suitable manner whenthe bathroom is assembled and installed.

The plumbing connections are preferably arranged in conjunction with amanifold to facilitate connection to the main supply and waste 75 whichalso serves to withdraw waste water from the bottom of the bathingchamber through out-' let I55 and pipe I58. The bathing chamber II mayalso be provided with an overflow outlet connected to pipe I51 whichjoins pipe I54 near the trap I 58 connected to trap I50. Anotherventilation pipe I59 may be provided for this portion of the wastemanifold, if necessary.

The handle I54a extending into'chamber I2 through the slot I55a mayoperate a suitable closure I60 in the wash basin 66, which allows waterto flow into the auxiliary chamber I6I arranged below the wash basinoutlet and connected to pipe I53 to carry away waste water from the washbasin outlet proper and from the overflow outlet for the waste basin.The overflow outlet for the bathing chamber II may comprise a series ofdiagonal openings I62 in the chamber wall immediately below thethreshold 83 of the doorway 28. Covering these openings I62 is a stampedmetal fitting I63 riveted or otherwise secured in watertight fashion tothe pipe I51 and to the outer surface of the wall of chamber II betweenchamber II and the chamber I2.

Hot and cold water may be supplied for the entire unit through the mainsupply pipes I64 and I65 suitably bracketed together and supported bythe angle iron framework between the two chambers II and I2. These pipesI64 and I65 are connected to the valves I66 and I61, operated by thehandles I68 and I69, respectively, inside the bathing chamber I I.Immediately below and disposed between these handles I68 and I69 is athird handle I which may be in the form of an indicator, and whichoperates a threeway valve I1I. Pipe connections I66a, I61a, and I1Ia areprovided between these three valves. Valve I1I determines whether thehot and/or 'cold water from valves I66 and I61 flow through pipe I12 tothe shower spray I13 in chamber II, or through the pipe I14 to theopening I near the floor of the bathing chamber II. and cold water inletpipes I64 and I65 are also connected by branch lines I16 and I11,respectively, to the valves I18 and I19. These valves are controlled byhandles I80 and I8I inside the chamber section I2 immediately above thewash basin 56. Hot or cold water or a mixture thereof from valves I18and I19 flows through pipe I82 to the inlet opening I83 in the side ofthe wash basin 56 nearest the user. In filling the basin,- therefore,the water spurts away from the user, avoiding splashing.

It will thus be seen that the prefabricated bathroom of my invention isconstructed with the three primary bathroom fixtures, tub, wash basinand water closet seat as integral parts of the floor and walls of thelower one-third of the bathroom. This lower one-third of the bathroom isdivided into two sections, one for each of the chambers II and I2 of thebathroom and each of these chambers II and I2 may be constructed as twoseparate prefabricated units including the necessary fixtures. The wallextension and celling units, or the upper portions of the two chambers II and I2 of the bathroom may similarly be constructed as two separateprefabricated units. The frame members 19, 80, BI and 82 for doorway 28,the angle iron framework, and the plumbing manifoldv constitute separateunits, together with any accessories of an optional nature, 'such ascabinets and the other relatively few pieces that require attachment tothe various units when the bathroom is assembled.

In assembling and installing my new bathroom,

the l wer unit sections of chambers II and I2 75 The hot are disposedside by side with the lower section of chamber II supported on theplatform 31. the water closet bowl 14 having been previously bolted orotherwise secured in the proper'positlon. The

box frame of angle iron members is placed in" correct position betweenchambers II and I2 and the flanged U-shaped doorway frame member 82 isthen bolted to the two lower sections of chambers II and I2 to hold themin place. The upper unit section of chamber II may now be fitted inplace on the lower section and the clamps 89 and 88 applied and securedby bolts 5|. The plumbing manifold may now be connected in'place tochamber I I and the main supply and waste lines of the dwelling.

The accessories, such as the water tank I25, light bracket I82,cabinets, heating unit, rod 83 and ventilating unit I48may convenientlybe secured in the proper position at this time and connected by anypiping or wiring necessary. Finally. the upper section of chamber I2 maybe fitted and clamped in place, and the remainder of the angle ironframework may be adjusted. Before securing the doorway frame members I9,88 and 8i in place, the plumbing connections should be completed-and thecabinets and other accessories suitably attached to the walls of chamberI2 as may be necessary.

As soon as the doors I8 and II are hung, the panel I4 secured in placeand the switches carried by it connected, the bathroom is ready forimmediate use.

I have found that this bathroom can be readily made from integral metalstampings. When the units are constructed with the curved side walls asillustrated in Fig. 2, the various units may be made from stampings of avery light gauge sheet metal, such as copper, while still providingadequate strength. By the curved wall and integral metal stampingconstruction illustrated, no corners are left which are dimcult toclean.

Accessibility to the plumbing and other appliances of the bathroom afterassembly is provided through the panels 88, the U-shaped door framemember 82, the panel 84, grill I89 and the vertically movable cabinetI28. Other removable panels may be provided at any points desired.

After assembly, or before assembly, the copper sheets of the lowerportion of the bathroom unit may be finished as by spraying a metalcoating of a corrosion resistant alloy on the surfaces inside thechambers II and I2, followed by buffing or polishing the surface to giveit a slightly hammered texture which will prevent slipping and provide asurface with a minimum of dirt adherence. An alloy of about 98% tin and2% silver is suitable for this coating, although other alloys could, ofcourse, be used. If the upper portions of the chambers II and I2 aremade of some sheet metal such as steel, it may be desirable to employ aninsulating material such as a lacquered masking tape at all jointsbetween the steel and copper to avoid the formation of galvanic coupleswhich might promote corrosion. The electrical connections are alsopreferably grounded to the lower portions of the chambers.

The outer chamber I2 of the bathroom may be used alone without thebathing chamber II by simply providing a panel for closing of! thedoorway 21. This chamber I2 may be very suitable for use alone where apowder room is desired, or with the bathing chamber II in places wherespace is at a premium, such as in boats, trains and the like. A curtainmay be provided for the doorway 28 such as a metal Venetian blind toseparate the two chambers when they are used together. Such a curtain asa Venetian blind is particularly suitable because it allows theventilating system to exhaust steam from the bathing chamber II, therebyventilating both chambers at the same time even though both are beingused simultaneously. Chamber II may also be used alone when thefacilities of chamber I2 are not required.

The complete prefabricated bathroom with both chambers I I and I2 is sodevised that it may be installed in a room of a completed house as aunit cabinet with or without partitioning ofl, and without the necessityof providing a window. The whole assembly may be constructed of sheetmetal such as aluminum with a total weight of approximately 250 lbs.,and made up of separate integrated sections, each of which can bereadily carried by two men through the doorway of the ordinary house andassembled ready for use in a few hours. The bathroom may also beinstalled as easily during the erection of a dwelling.

A modification of my bathroom is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 andcomprises substantially the same construction as described above, withthe exception that the portions of the chambers II and I2 above the line24 in Figs. 1-8 are left off and the lower portions of the chambers arecapped to conceal the plumbing. The walls of plaster, wood, tile or thelike of the house in which the lower portions are installed provide theupward extensions for the walls of the chambers. Similar referencenumerals indicate similar parts in Fig. 9 to those described inconnection with Figs. 14!. In this modification, suitable metal cappingplates I84, I88 and I88 may be provided to cover the openings betweenthe chamber walls and are preferably removable to get at the plumbing.

The shower spray I13 may be attached to the pipe I12 which extends upthrough the cover plate I88 instead of being between the walls of thechambers and I2 as in Figs. 1-8. The control handles for the shower I88,I89 may also be disposed in the cover plate I88 instead of on thesidewall. For this modification, some form of window or ventilator isnecessary. The cabinets and other accessories for the room above theline 24 in Figs. l-8' must also be supplied separate from theprefabricated metal units of the bathroom.

For joining the metal of the lower portion of this bathroom unit to aplaster wall I81, such as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the wall I88 ofthe bathroom unit may have suitable channel members I89 attached to theouter surface adjacent itsupper edge. The cover members I98 have flangesI9I depending inside the chambers and lying against the offset upperedge I88 of the chambers to provide a flush interior surface. Horizontalportions I92 of the cover members I98 overlie the channel members I89extending to the vertical portions I98 in the plane of the plaster wallI81. Wooden members I 94 support the lower edge of the plaster and lieflush with it. A further flange I98 of the cover members I98 extendsunderneath and up along the back of these wooden members I98. TheseJoints and the wooden members I94 are concealed by the strip of beveledmetal plate I 98 held in place by the wood screws I91. A relativelysmooth exterior is thus presented to the room containing the bathroomchamber units. The prefabricated portions of this modification of myinvention may, of course,

be constructed at less cost and of less weight than the preferredmodification although more time may be required under certain conditionsfor installation.

The terms and expressions which I have employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and I have no intention, in the useof such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but recognize thatvarious modifications are possible within the scope of the inventionclaimed.

Iclaim:

1. A prefabricated bathroom comprising a bathing chamber and a lavatoryand water closet chamber, a doorway connecting said chambers, the wallsof said chambers adjacent said doorway being formed of sheet materialand spaced from each other, and a plumbing manifold for said bathroomdisposed between said walls.

2. A prefabricated bathroom comprising a bathing chamber and a lavatoryand water closet chamber, a doorway connecting said chambers, the wallsof said chambers adjacent said doorway being formed of sheet materialand spaced from each other, and means for lighting both of said chambersdisposed between said walls.

3. A prefabricated bathroom comprising a bathing chamber and a lavatoryand water closet chamber, a doorway connecting said chambers, the wallsof said chambers adjacent said doorway being formed of sheet materialand spaced from each other, means between said walls for admitting airinto said chambers, and means in a remote portion of one of saidchambers for withdrawing air therefrom.

4. A prefabricated bathroom comprising a bathing chamber and a lavatoryand water closet chamber, a doorway connecting said chambers, the wallsof said chambers adjacent said doorway being. formed of sheet materialand spaced from each other, and a cabinet for one of said chambersdisposed between and connecting the walls thereof.

5. A prefabricated bathroom comprising a bathing chamber and a lavatoryand water closet chamber, at least the lower portions of said chambersbeing formed of sheet metal to provide floors and walls, the floor ofsaid bathing chamber being raised a substantial distance above the floorof said lavatory and water closet chamchamber, the walls of saidchambers being formed of sheet metal curved outwardly of said chambersabout substantially vertical axes, a doorway connecting said chambers, aframe for said doorway reinforcing and connecting the walls of saidchambers, fixtures in said chambers structurally integral with thewallsthereof, and a plumbing manifold for said fixtures disposed betweenthe curved walls of said chambers.

8. A prefabricated bathroom assembly comprising a lavatory and watercloset chamber section, a bathing chamber section, the walls of saidsections being spaced from each other and curved outwardly of saidchamber about substantially vertical axes, a doorway connecting saidchambers and having a threshold raised above the floors of both of saidchambers, bathroom fixtures integral with the walls of at least one ofsaid chambers, a plumbing manifold between the walls of said chambers,and a torque resisting frame member for said doorway removablyconnecting said chamber sections and serving to prevent twistingthereof.

9. A prefabricated elongated bathroom chamber comprising a floor andside walls constructed of sheet metal, said side walls being curvedoutwardly of the chamber about substantially vertical axes, and pocketmembers attached to the outer surface of the walls of said chamber nearthe comers thereof providing horizontal ledges a short distance abovesaid floor.

. 10. A prefabricated bathroom chamber constructed of sheet material,the walls of said chamber being curved outwardly about substantiallyvertical axes and arranged to provide an elon-' gated room, and a washbasin at one end of the chamber formed integral with the adjacent sideand end walls, said basin extending across the end of said chamber.

11. A prefabricated bathroom chamber constructed of sheet material, thewalls of said chamber being curved outwardly about substantiallyvertical axes and arranged to provide an elongated room, and a watercloset seat at one end of the chamber formed integral with the adjacentside and end walls thereof, said seat extending across the end of thechamber.

12. A prefabricated bathroom comprising a bathing chamber and a lavatoryand water closet chamber, the walls of said chambers being formed ofsheet material curved outwardly of the chambers about substantiallyvertical axes, a doorway connecting said chambers, and a frame for saiddoorway reinforcing and connecting the walls of said chambers.

RICHARD BUCKMINB'I'ER. FUILER.

